I am startled every time I hear (and I've heard it more than once), "Oh, but it's too good for Goodwill." One can only surmise that the person has never set foot in a thrift shop. Further, it is wholly slander against an organization that produces so much for our community. Not only do Goodwill workers sift and sort all imaginable donations, but merchandise the large and unpredictable inventory splendidly, with keen eyes for quality and trends. Those Manolo Blahniks will be sold by Goodwill via online auction. That Eileen Fisher ensemble will find a hanger in Goodwill's Blue boutique for designer wear. ThatPrada purse will be housed under glass with other fine items in a glass cabinet at the neighborhood Goodwill. And, no matter what the means of sale, the sheer act of exchanging payment for goods translates to a customer receiving a wanted item.

Moreover, the store generates revenue to not only perpetuate the thrift industry, but to provide jobs and training for those in need. Occupation lessons and encouragement turns disabled, undesirable, or otherwise skill-less individuals into a workforce of citizens who take pride in their contributions to society. Unarguably, jobs and pride in those jobs create good communities.